Lead UX Designer
3 Months
3 People
Simplified three-step mobile workflow for all ages.
Challenge
Older musicians and luthiers struggled with complex tuning apps, which were overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
Solution
Designing a tuning app with a simple 3-step process: select your range, tap “Tune”, and play your note for automatic detection.
Impact
By focusing on simplicity and accessibility, all musicians regardless of age can tune their instruments confidently.
Users & Their Needs
The first step was understanding who would actually use this app. I sat down with three key groups to hear their stories about tuning instruments using mobile apps:
The pattern was clear: everyone wanted the same thing, a fast, reliable way to tune without thinking about the interface.
What was everyone else doing Wrong?
I downloaded every popular tuning app and tried using them the way my research participants would. The problems became obvious immediately:
Too Cluttered
Screens packed with features most users never touched
Tiny Buttons
Small controls that were hard to tap accurately
Hidden Features
Basic tuning buried under layers of menus
The Opportunity
What if we built a tuning app that did one thing exceptionally well, instead of trying to do everything? Strip away the complexity. Make it accessible for everyone, from 14-year-old students to 60-year-old luthiers.
The Design Journey
Three Steps, No More.
I started by mapping out the simplest possible workflow. No branching paths. No optional screens. Just a straight line from opening the app to getting your reading:
Select Range
Three big buttons. No scrolling.
Tap “Tune”
One obvious button to continue.
Play Note
Instant automatic detection.
Clear UI states and visual feedback reduce hesitation, enabling older users to tune confidently on their instruments.
The Iteration That Mattered
At first, I thought we’d need a wide range of tonal options. More choices = more flexibility, right?
Then I talked to violinists. They told me something surprising: “We only ever use three ranges. Anything more is just noise.”
The lesson: Good design isn’t about giving users every possible option. It’s about understanding what they actually need and removing everything else.
The Hardest Challenge: Making “Less” Feel Like “More”
Here’s the tricky part: how do you convince users that a minimal interface is intentional and professional, not just unfinished?
Strong Typography
Bold, clear labels that command attention
Purposeful Space
White space that feels confident, not empty
Large Targets
Buttons you can’t miss, even in a hurry
Designing for Everyone
Something interesting happened when we designed for older musicians who struggled with complex apps: we accidentally made it better for everyone.
- Large touch targets helped users with reduced dexterity but also made the app faster for everyone
- High contrast improved readability for older eyes but also worked perfectly in bright sunlight
- Simple workflow reduced cognitive load and let professionals tune faster between clients
What I Learned
Research Reveals What to Remove
Talking to violinists taught me that understanding what users don’t need is just as valuable. Sometimes the best design decision is saying no to features.
Accessibility Benefits Everyone
We designed for older users who struggled with complexity, but ended up creating a faster, more efficient experience for all ages. Universal design isn’t a compromise.
Simplicity Is Hard Work
Making something minimal look intentional took more effort than adding features. Simplicity isn’t a shortcut, it’s a deliberate design challenge.